Glasses

Our dispensary features over 500 frames to suite all ages. Our capable staff will assist you in selecting the appropriate frame and lenses for your specific prescription and visual demands. We are happy to adjust and repair your glasses at any time. Feel free to drop in, as appointments are not necessary. Adjustments are provided free of charge.

Frames

Our office offers a variety of frame suppliers. The selection of ophthalmic frames is constantly changing as the supplier representatives replace dated or discontinued product with new styles. The frames all carry warranties supported by the manufacturers. These warranties guarantee the frames against manufacturing defects.

Ophthalmic Lenses

Plastic

The main advantages of plastic lenses are their light weight and safety features, in comparison to glass lenses. Approximately 90% of all spectacle lenses are now plastic.

Glass

Glass lenses are heavier than other lens materials. They are more scratch resistant than plastic, but can still scratch and are more likely to break. It is recommended that glass lenses be treated to increase break resistance.

High-index materials

High-index lenses create a thinner profile for those with strong prescriptions. The lenses are lighter in weight than standard glass or plastic lenses. As a result, they are more comfortable and cosmetically desirable. A variety of high-index materials are available to accommodate different prescriptions.

Photochromic material

Lenses that darken when exposed to visible or ultra-violet light are available. Photochromic materials are available in single vision, as well as bifocal and progressive lenses. There are a number of materials available. Our office primarily uses Transitions lenses by http://ca.transitions.com/en/Pages/default.aspx Transitions for plastic lenses and Photogrey Extra by Corning Glass for glass lenses.

Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses are manufactured by laminating a polarizing filter between two pieces of tinted ophthalmic plastic or glass. This is the preferred lens material for sunglasses. Light which has been reflected off of a horizontal surface such as snow, water, or vehicles is referred to as polarized light. This polarized light is a source of glare which can be annoying and uncomfortable. The polarizing filter blocks this reflected light reducing the source of the glare. For more information see Younger Optics(http://www.youngeroptics.com/nupolar_introduction.aspx).

High Impact-Resistance

Polycarbonate is known as a high impact material. It has a higher shatter resistance than regular plastic lenses but has a tendency to scratch easier, even with a scratch resistant coating. It is useful for anyone needing superior eye protection, including children, teens, and active adults.

Types of Lenses

Single Vision

A lens used for correction of one distance only such as near (reading) or distance (driving).

Bifocal

This lens is used for near and distance vision correction with a visible line separating the areas.

Trifocal

This lens used for near, intermediate, and distance vision correction with two visible lines. The top portion of the lens is used for distance vision; the centre portion for intermediate vision; and the bottom portion for near vision.

Progressive Add Lens (invisible or no-line)

This lens is used to correct for near, intermediate and distance vision. It is aesthetically designed without a visible line in the lens. The prescription in the lens gradually changes from the top (distance) portion of the lens to the bottom (reading). More information is available at http://www.essilor.ca/En/Pages/default.aspx or visit http://www.varilux.ca/EN/PRODUCTS/Pages/default.aspx

Occupational

These lenses are similar to bifocal lenses except they have an additional near correction area at the top of the lens. They are commonly used by electricians, auto mechanics, plumbers, or any person who needs to do near work above their head. http://www.varilux.ca/EN/Products/specialized/Pages/default.aspx

Lens treatments

Scratch-Resistant Coatings

A coating designed to reduce scratches from everyday cleaning and normal wear but will not prevent all scratches. All of our plastic lenses are manufactured with a scratch resistant coating. Visit www.crizal.ca

Anti-Reflective Coating (AR)

An AR coating not only removes distracting and annoying reflections due to the lens, it also increases the cosmetic appearance of the lenses. The reduction in lens reflections may reduce eye fatigue, especially while viewing computer screens or driving at night. Depending on the prescription and lens materials, AR coatings may be recommended. Significant improvements in AR coatings are continuously being made. Seehttp://www.essilor.ca/En/Pages/default.aspx for more information or visit http://www.essilor.ca/En/Products/coatings/Crizal/Pages/default.aspx

Ongoing Maintenance

All lenses can scratch regardless of materials and coatings. When you clean lenses rinse them under water or spray them with spectacle lens cleaner and then wipe gently with a soft cloth. A mild soap and water will also work very well.

When not wearing your glasses store them in the case or set them down with the lens surfaces up. Loose keys, coins and other items can scratch lenses, so be sure your glasses are in a case when put in a shirt pocket or purse. Lenses will also scratch if they move around in the case.

Do not leave spectacles on the dashboard of your vehicle, even if they are in the case. The extreme heat in the summer can damage plastic frames and coatings on lenses. Initial bursts of heat from the oven or barbeque can also damage your frame and lenses.

With wear, all glasses will loosen over time and need to be tightened up periodically. This is particularly noticeable with plastic frames.

Check the temple hinges and eyewire screws from time to time. Due to regular wear and tear, screws may loosen to the extent that the temple could fall off, or a lens may fall out of the frame. Have your glasses checked and re-adjusted periodically.

Anti-reflective coating may be damaged by the chemicals in hot tubs, ammonia based cleaners, aerosol sprays and other strong cleaning agents.

Remove your glasses with both hands to decrease the risk of the frames becoming misaligned.

To be on the safe side, always carry a spare pair of glasses when travelling, along with a copy of your prescription.

All new glasses require an adaption period. This may take a few days. If problems persist beyond a week please drop in to our dispensary. A minor frame adjustment may be all that is required.